Using the numbering above, Options 2 and 3 differ from Option 4 in that 2/3 traverse the woodland of Tortington Common, while Option 4 would cut through the village and landscape of Binsted.

See map below:

The Feasibility Study Reports describe this option, adding an 'alternative alignment' for the north end with a flyover junction.

Villager and committee member, Emma Tristram said:

"Both versions of the route would destroy a beautiful, historic landscape."

"Both would damage Binsted Woods - one by cutting them in two, the other by destruction of some of the best parts of the woods near the junction. All of Binsted's woodland is in the National Park."

Walberton Parish Council has now written to Highways England asking for this route to be removed from the options for consideration.

Emma adds:

"This route would mean the death of Binsted village.

"The annual Strawberry Fair, which raises funds for looking after Binsted's 12th-century church, could not continue. Long and damaging new bypasses through or near the National Park have been rejected at Chichester and Worthing. The same should happen at Arundel."

ABNC is highlighting what it calls 'the unsuitability of this option' in its 'Evidence Report' prepared for Highways England.

In response Highways England project manager Abi Oluwande said:

“We are committed to building a new dual carriageway bypass at Arundel to link together the two existing dual carriageway sections of the road.

"These maps date back to previous studies from twelve years ago. Our starting point was the previous preferred route and we are working with the National Park Authority and local councils on this and alternative options.

"We will be reporting our findings in due course and it would be inappropriate to speculate at this stage.”

The current 'Options Identification Stage' is due to end in November 2016, and the chosen 'Options' will be presented at a 'Public Consultation' in 2017.

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